Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, this year it was on a Wednesday. While many people enjoy the holiday, there are some who dislike it or think it is unimportant. Valentine’s day is not just about romantic love but also platonic love like with friends and family. Some people may argue that you can express your love for those close to you every day of the year but I think it’s important to spread extra love and joy to those around you. Although it can be hard to get people gifts they will like, the holiday is fun to celebrate with those you care about. 

People also argue that the holiday is “just an excuse to spend money.” However, if you do not want to spend a lot of money on gifts, I think homemade gifts are good to give since they have sentimental value and are cheaper. Even if you’re not an artistic person or aren’t talented in making crafts, the effort put into the gift is what matters, not the quality of it. Gifts such as letters, candies and other small things are great gifts to give your valentine. 

My grandmother occasionally sends me letters which makes me so happy. It means a lot that she takes time out of her day to sit down, write a letter and then send it to me. I love going to get the mail and seeing a letter addressed just to me. I know it makes her happy so I love writing back to her even though I’m not a huge fan of writing by hand.

Well many people dislike Valentine’s Day since they are not in a romantic relationship, a valentine doesn’t have to always be a significant other. In an article titled “Why I’m in love with Valentine’s Day” published by The Seattle Times, “The day is about celebrating the love from all  relationships in life — parents, siblings or even pets — not just the romantic ones.” I personally give my pets, friends and parents/other relatives gifts during the holiday. Being able to celebrate the people I love platonically in my life is important to me and I love seeing their eyes light up when they open the gifts I give. I typically give homemade gifts since I find them to be more thoughtful and sentimental. They also cost me little to no money.

Receiving and giving gifts (whether simple or extravagant) is a way to show someone you love and care about them, especially if the give has sentimental value or a deep meaning behind it. You don’t have to love the holiday to express your love and compassion for those close to you.